Above-average organic growth in the segments “Europe” +6.0% and “Rest of the World” +14.0%

Kilchberg, July 25, 2017 – The conditions in the first half-year were unchanged and remained difficult for the whole industry. Stagnating or only slightly growing chocolate markets, a consumer sentiment that remained largely restrained and an ever changing trade landscape posed great challenges for the industry. Lindt & Sprüngli however still managed to win market shares in strategically important markets and increased Group sales to CHF 1.549 billion, which corresponds to an organic growth of +3.6%. The strategic realignment of Russell Stover is making progress, but will take more time than originally anticipated. Excluding Russell Stover, a growth of +6.6% can be reported for the first half-year. Given the challenging market conditions, this represents an above-average result and is in line with our medium-/long-term strategic targets. It underlines the essential soundness of Lindt & Sprüngli’s core business that generates approximately 75% of Group sales with the Lindt brand.

Proposal for a 10% increase in the dividend to CHF 880.- per registered share

Kilchberg, March 7, 2017 – Lindt & Sprüngli once again grew at a faster pace than the overall chocolate market in 2016. Consolidated sales increased by 6.8% to CHF 3.901 billion. Organic sales growth was 6.0%. The Group’s operating profit (EBIT) rose by 8.4% to CHF 562.5 million. The company therefore succeeded once again in meeting its strategic growth and sales targets. In addition to the 10.2% increase in net income amounting to CHF 419.8 million, both the EBIT margin and the return on sales improved. The Group balance sheet remains very solid.

Kilchberg, January 17, 2017 – Once again Lindt & Sprüngli succeeded in outperforming the overall chocolate market, achieving important market share gains and sales growth in line with strategic targets. This result is very encouraging, particularly given the background of a persistently challenging environment of stagnating and even declining chocolate markets, with generally subdued consumer sentiment, high raw material prices and rising price pressure on our trading partners. Ongoing adjustments to Russell Stover’s product portfolio and the optimization of its promotions strategy slightly weakened Group sales growth in the financial year, while at the same time setting the long term foundation for profitable growth in the future.

2016

Kilchberg, September 30th, 2016 – Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG achieves its 2016 cocoa beans commitment which states that by 2016 the entire cocoa beans supply chain from Ghana is traceable and also verified.

Kilchberg, August 30, 2016 – Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG announces the future structure of the Group Management. As already communicated in June, Ernst Tanner is handing over his function as CEO to the long-standing Group Chief Financial Officer, Dr Dieter Weisskopf and will continue to play an active role as Executive Chairman. The Group Management will be expanded by experienced executives from within the Group. By handing over responsibility to a younger generation of managers with strong track records, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group guarantees continuity playing an important role for the company.

Results in line with our expectations and compare with the strong H1 2015 results

Achievement of medium- to long-term targets for organic sales growth expected for the full year

Kilchberg, July 22, 2016 –Despite a challenging environment, Lindt & Sprüngli achieved solid sales growth of +6.6%, with sales of CHF 1.502 billion in the first half of 2016. The biggest challenges facing the company in the first six months of the year were continuously high raw material prices for cocoa beans and cocoa butter, stagnating chocolate markets and generally subdued consumer sentiment. Extensive adjustments of Russell Stover’s product portfolio, as well as the optimization of its promotions strategy also had an impact on Group sales growth in the first half of 2016. On top of that, the performance in the first half of this year is set against the above-average half-year results achieved in 2015. In this difficult environment, Lindt & Sprüngli once again succeeded in outperforming the chocolate market as a whole and gaining important market shares in the first half of 2016.

Sydney / Kilchberg, July 07, 2016 – Lindt & Sprüngli Australia (Lindt) has officially opened its new $60 million purpose built facility at Marsden Park in Sydney’s west on July 04, 2016 as it expands its operations to capitalise on the chocolate makers strong growth in the Australian market.

June 3rd 2016, Kilchberg – Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli announces that Ernst Tanner, President & CEO, has decided to focus on the role as Executive Chairman by the end of 2016. At the same time the Board of Directors has appointed in today’s meeting Dr Dieter Weisskopf, Group Chief Financial Officer, as new Group Chief Executive Officer.

Kilchberg, 1.June 2016 – Lindt & Sprüngli supports the new program by the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) to address the threat climate change poses to cocoa sustainability and the many livelihoods the sector involves.

Kilchberg, January 14, 2016 – Despite a difficult market environment, Lindt & Sprüngli managed to increase its sales once again and meets the long-term strategic sales target. The Group continues to significantly outperform the chocolate markets as a whole, which still lack major growth drivers. Market share gains were achieved in all strategically important markets. The integration of Russell Stover/Whitman’s, the largest acquisition in the history of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group, is well on track.

Growth of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group in local currencies (incl. Russell Stover) +24.9%

Group sales up +17.4% to CHF 1.409 billion (incl. Russell Stover)

Market share gains in all strategically important markets

Integration of Russell Stover, largest acquisition in the company’s history, on track

Net income (EBIT) up +17.5% to CHF 90.6 million

Medium to long-term targets for organic sales growth confirmed for the full year

Kilchberg, 18 August 2015 – With above-average sales growth of 17.4%, up to CHF 1.409 billion, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group is building on its impressive track record of recent years, despite record-high prices for raw materials and a strong Swiss franc. In local currencies, the Group’s sales growth increased by 24.9%. Without the first-time consolidation of Russell Stover, Lindt & Sprüngli achieved organic sales growth of 9.4%. This solid growth is being driven mainly by the core European markets, North America, the emerging markets and the company’s own worldwide store network Global Retail. Market share gains were achieved in all strategically important markets. Lindt & Sprüngli is extending its already strong leading position in North America with the integration of the US chocolate company Russell Stover, acquired last year. Net income (EBIT) at the end of June 2015 was 17.5% higher than the same period in 2014, at CHF 90.6 million. The company’s very impressive results and its ongoing success confirm that Lindt & Sprüngli continues to be one of the most successful premium chocolate companies in the world.

Lindt & Sprüngli regrets to announce the death of Dr Franz Peter Oesch, member of its Board of Directors. He unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, August 15th 2015. On behalf of the board and the group management the Chairman of the Board of Directors Ernst Tanner expresses his deepest sympathies to the members of the family.

Since 1991 Dr Franz Peter Oesch was member of the Board of Lindt & Sprüngli. The company is losing a competent and exceptional personality who helped to shape the company with great commitment and made a significant contribution to the positive development and success of Lindt & Sprüngli.

Integration of Russell Stover, largest acquisition in the company’s history, on track

Medium to long-term objectives for organic sales growth confirmed for the full year

Kilchberg, July 14, 2015 – The Lindt & Sprüngli strategy, implemented over a decade ago,is paying off in a challenging environment. In the first half-year of 2015, Lindt & Sprüngli succeeded in achieving above-average organic sales growth of +9.4%. Despite slowing and, in some cases, stagnating chocolate markets and record-high prices for raw materials, as well as an extremely strong Swiss franc, this result again confirms the success of our long-term strategy. The solid growth of the group comes from the European core markets, North America as well as from emerging markets, and translates into further market share gains. In North America, the company continues to grow double digits and reinforces an already strong leading position with the integration of last year’s acquisition, the chocolate company Russell Stover. Including Russell Stover’s share in sales, now consolidated for the first six months of 2015, growth in local currencies is up by +24.9%. This ongoing success confirms that Lindt & Sprüngli continues to be one of the most successful premium chocolate producers in the world.

Kilchberg, March 10, 2015 – In the financial year 2014, Lindt & Sprüngli reported sales in Swiss franc terms worth CHF 3.385 billion. This is a growth of 17.4 % against in the previous year. Including non-recurring costs and special expenditure based on IFRS standards in connection with the acquisition of Russell Stover, the company reached an operating profit (EBIT) of CHF 474.3 million (+17.4 % against the previous year).

In local currency terms, acquisition-adjusted organic growth of 9.8% is well in excess of the medium to long-term annual growth target of 6-8%. Excluding the proportionate contribution of Russell Stover, the EBIT margin grew by 20 basis points to 14.2% in line with the strategic earnings forecast of an increase of between 20 and 40 basis points.

These good results were achieved despite largely subdued consumer sentiment, high commodity prices, and a challenging currency situation. The above-average growth of the Group once again clearly exceeds that of the chocolate markets and was driven by higher volumes and innovations, further progress in the seasonal sector, and strong development of the company’s own global network of retail outlets. Substantial market share gains were made in all the core markets and in the emerging growth markets.

Kilchberg, January 13, 2015 –Lindt & Sprüngli has increased its sales growth once again, achieving substantial market share gains in all major markets. This growth is once more primarily based on higher volumes. With the successful first-time integration of Russell Stover/Whitman’s from September 2014, the Group’s sales passed the three billion Swiss franc mark by a considerable amount for the first time.

Kilchberg, 5 September 2014 – Lindt & Sprüngli Group strengthens top level management with immediate effect. Rolf Fallegger, former member of the Extended Group Management, is appointed as a member of the Group Management.

Medium to long-term strategic sales and earnings for the whole year confirmed

Kilchberg, August 19, 2014 – Lindt & Sprüngli has made a successful start into the financial year 2014. Sales and profit growth in the first half of 2014 was once again well above the market average. This led to further market share gains in all important markets and strengthened accordingly the company’s already leading position in the premium chocolate segment. The acquisition of the US family business Russell Stover/Whitman’s, announced on July 14, 2014, is clear evidence of Lindt & Sprüngli’s determination to expand its position in North America and further enhance its already substantial contribution to the dynamic growth of the premium chocolate segment in the world’s biggest chocolate market. In response to the good overall progress of business and the accompanying above-average volume growth, considerable further investments have been made to expand the capacity of the production facilities in Switzerland, Germany, France, and the USA.

Interlaken/Kilchberg, July 16, 2014 – Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli (Schweiz) AG and Jungfrau Railway Holding AG are teaming up. Lindt is making a trip on the Jungfrau Railway, 3,454 metres above sea level, into a sweet experience with Swiss Chocolate Heaven. The themed chocolate shop was officially opened today by none other than LINDT brand ambassador Roger Federer. The highlight was a tennis exhibition match between him and ski racing star Lindsey Vonn on the Aletsch Gletscher overlooking the Sphinx.

First half-year organic sales growth of 9.2% again well above the market average

Lindt & Sprüngli Group gains market shares in all key markets

First half-year Group sales in Swiss francs: 1.2 billion (+6% against previous year)

Long-term strategic objectives for the whole year confirmed

Kilchberg, July 14, 2014 – Lindt & Sprüngli has made an excellent start into the new financial year 2014, ending the first half with above-average organic growth of 9.2%. This development is well ahead of the main overall chocolate markets which do not show significant growth. Thanks to the continuous progress which once again confirms the Lindt & Sprüngli Group’s strong dynamic in its core markets and also the new emerging markets in the first half of 2014, further market shares were won everywhere.

Lucerne, 18th June 2014 - How did Switzerland, a country known for its Alps, become equally famous for its chocolate? This is a question that the Swiss Chocolate Adventure at the Swiss Museum of Transport seeks to answer. An attraction that's unique in Switzerland, the Swiss Chocolate Adventure offers a multimedia journey providing insights into the discovery, provenance, manufacture and transport of chocolate.

Kilchberg, March 11, 2014, – With an above market average increase of sales and earnings, Lindt & Sprüngli reported a successful financial year 2013 in every respect in what continues to be a challenging market environment, and won additional market shares. The good annual financial statement once again highlights the reliability of the Group’s long-term strategic goals. The Group’s above average growth is based mainly on higher volumes in key markets and on progressive geographical expansion; here, the Global Retail division is an increasingly important sales factor with its own sales network. All the subsidiary companies contributed to the good results.

Kilchberg, March 11, 2014, – Lindt & Sprüngli establishes its first own subsidiary company in South America – L&S (Brazil) Holding Ltd. Lindt & Sprüngli Brazil is setting up a joint venture with the CRM Group, the market leader for Brazilian premium chocolate, who owns retail outlets under the label “Kopenhagen”.

Expected increase of the EBIT margin towards the top of the strategic target

Kilchberg, January 14, 2014 – Lindt & Sprüngli is continuing its long-term drive for growth and strongly outperformed the trend of the overall chocolate markets yet again. This brought corresponding gains of market shares in all important countries and product categories as well as in the seasonal business. The above-average organic growth is achieved largely by higher volumes.

2013

Kilchberg, 21 November 2013 – Lindt & Sprüngli is substantially up-scaling and extending its farming program in Ghana. Until 2016, more than 45’000 cocoa farmers in Ghana will receive additional support in improving their agricultural, social and environmental farming practices aiming at more than doubling productivity yield and increasing farm family income considerably.

Kilchberg, 22 October 2013 – Lindt & Sprüngli Group strengthens top level management with immediate effect. Andreas Pfluger, former member of the Extended Group Management, is appointed as a member of the Group Management. At the same time, Thomas Linemayr is promoted to the Extended Group Management. Consequently, the Group of companies has a broader and stronger management basis in view of the expanding internationalization of the business.

Kilchberg, 3 October 2013 – The Board of Directors of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli Aktiengesellschaft has decided at its meeting of 3 October 2013 to execute a new share buyback program for Lindt & Sprüngli registered shares and participation certificates until the end of 2014, given the high cash position, its solid balance and its continuously cash generative business.

Strategic growth and profit targets of 6 to 8% and 20 to 40 basis points confirmed

Kilchberg, August 20, 2013 – Lindt & Sprüngli reports once again sales and profit growth well above the market average in the first half 2013 and succeeds in extending the leading position in all the main markets.

Kilchberg, March 15, 2013 – As part of a comprehensive review of the “Supplementary Pension Fund of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG” (“The Fund”) around CHF 250 million is being transferred to two charitable foundations. The main purpose is the long-term strengthening of Switzerland as a chocolate market place. The Lindt & Sprüngli Cocoa Foundation will be dedicated to all aspects of the sustainable procurement of raw materials. The Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Center Foundation will promote industry-specific basic and advanced training for young professionals, support research projects into new production and process technologies and provide a chocolate museum for the general public.

Kilchberg, January 15, 2013 – With consolidated annual sales worth CHF 2.670 billion, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group once again achieved growth well ahead of the overall chocolate market, despite the challenging economic environment, and won new market shares in practically every country and category. Organic growth is mainly attributable to substantially higher volumes. Almost all the subsidiary companies made significant contributions to this favorable trend.